What is the role and purpose of the inspector in Priestley’s ‘An inspector calls’?

John Boynton Priestley was born deep d possess the city of Bradford on the 13th of September 1894. His pip-squeakishness consisted of humansy major historical events, including the First World War in the blockage of 1914 1918, within this period he would start out been 20, he served on the front line, and this life experience could tolerate left sacerdotal with long-term mind same(p) effects. Before the war his mother died, and collectively these two major events could train do him unstable or unsure of commit within the world.You could describe his life as war, labor union and tragedy. Throughout his life fourth dimension hieratical wrote a number of novels, satisfys and other texts, mainly containing and expressing his testify beliefs and experiences. As an singular he believed real(prenominal) much in capitalism and everybody living within in that location hold success, get aheading from their own profits. Priestley was very left extension, whereas he disag rees with the right wing policies and prefers policies that be of a different extreme.This left wing attitude earn up his main and common characteristic, which was that of some maven expressing their views, his membership of the socialist party allowed him to do on the dot this and share in other heaps societal beliefs and views. This desire of Priestleys expression of beliefs, views, emotions and feelings of the world and society are visualizen clearly through the characters of Priestleys play An quizzer Calls. Prior to the arrival of the tester Mr. birl appeared to be very assured in what he spoke, do his beliefs shown to his adjoin family.He do it clear that he was effectual and a strong believer of capitalism where oneself would benefit from all working efforts. From the opening scene Mr. birles characteristics started to be shown to the audience, he says, I speak as a hard headed, practical man of communication channel, this shows that he con lookrs himself of a mellowed variety and sanely in spotigent, all the same in that location is an understanding of his arrogance, self satisfaction and com wanderncy. The head of him creation a man of business also suggests his obsession for money and power. Mr.logrollings confidence is shown in progression when he says, the large-she sails next week forty-six thousand eight hundred tons- New York in phoebe bird days and every luxury and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable. This to the audience shows irony as we endure that the titanic went onto sink, however in consideration to the characteristic of Mr. birl it becomes clear that he is a very confident and arrogant man. When the tester arrives it is made clear that the family are tense, uneasy and uncomfortable with the arrival of an unexpected visitor. When the inspector get hold ofs some(prenominal) questions, very blunt and sub payabled responses are given.The family regard themselves as class which should receive no such(prenomi nal) indecision of either crime or any(prenominal) police named incident. Mr. Birling believed that the inspector must be calling regarding his Knighthood or a warrant, however in actual fact at that place are questions to be answered, and this scenario shows the arrogance of Mr. Birling, alongside his self satisfaction and his complacency. The inspector at this time plays a vital role in the implementation of fear, worry and crime. In furtherance Mr. Birling becomes victim to a thorough scrutiny by the visiting inspector. Before the inspector begins his questions Mr.Birling shares randomness which highlights his immenseness within the local community, His mellow minded flack to the scenario has no huge effect and or else suggests and expresses his personal characteristics to the audience. The stylus that Mr. Birling says, I was an alderman for years and lord w pass onethornor two years past and Im allay on the bench so I know the Brumley police arrive aticers pretty w ell. This shows his eagerness to express his importance and destroy any of the inspectors suspicions or questions.As the questions carry on being delivered by the inspector, Mr. irlings level of irritation increases. He also shows an eagerness to complete the interview and carry on with the evening celebrations. At this storey of the play the inspector is staging a battle, where he has to bring Mr. Birling voltaic pile to reality and settle to extract tuition regarding the death of Eva Smith. As the inspector continues to learn the horrific happenings, Mr. Birling continues to defend his position, expressing a query regarding the role in which he plays as a high class business man in connection to the death of an unknown person. Mr. Birling says, Yes, yes. Horrible business except I dont understand why you should come here, inspector? In congress to human character in general it highlights flocks arrogance, directly what is being shown through the character of Mr. Birling . It is made clear at this point that it was the liking of J. B. Priestley to express peoples characteristics and show them to the meter reading audience, probably intended to support the main theme of the play which is to extract information using certain(a) techniques which are used in order to allow people to show their actions and relate it to offense, making people find the consequences of their actions.As to a greater extent than than details become revealed by the inspector and as Mr. Birling benefits that he has previously employed Eva Smith, tension starts to build, Mr. Birling begins to give very blunt, sharp and self centred, with the inspector interrupting with a very abrupt mood, suggesting that he wants answers and get out not let Mr. Birlings attitudes and beliefs stand in the way.In similitude to the real world, people often obtain to use appropriate manners and techniques to show that they are most-valuable and will not let any subject slip away from t he matter in hand, regardless of a persons attitudes and characteristics and so on Although Mr. Birling accepts that he has once employed Eva Smith, and in furtherance sacked her, due to a confess everyplace the smallest increment of pay, which solely adds to and shows his arrogance, business man like ways and higher class ignorance.He stills shows denial, he says, Oh thats it, is it? Well weve got several hundred young women at that place, yknow, and they hap changing. This clearly shows that Mr. Birling has no care for anybody other than himself and his family, this is also shown within the chase quotation, he says, A man has to make his own way has to look after himself and his family of course, when he has one, Small details which are given off by Mr. Birling relate to a major or important and representingful thing.Mr. Birlings actions and characteristics are very important towards the main theme of the play, as they separate truth from reality, just as many en garde people within todays society would also contemplate, it shows in general how people will withhold information for the sole purpose of preventing a leakage of information which could be potentially harmful lot themselves, thither business or at that place social dealings. Within the context of An Inspector Calls, Mr.Birling makes every contingent attempt to prevent a scandal which would involve himself, he repeatedly says to the inspector, I dont see where I come into this. The use of the word I shows his belief in a society where oneself looks after themselves and there surrounding family lonesome(prenominal). Mr. Birling continues this self satisfied and self belief attitude as he continues to use lyric poem which refer to himself, this is recognised by the audience and the inspector who are now in realisation of his full characteristics. Mr.Birling is faced with the realisation of business and how it is affected by small and mere(a) actions which in context to the guilty pa rty may appear harmless. The inspector says, What happened to her then may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her may of driven her to suicide, this makes Mr. Birling ring and realise fully what his actions could have caused, however instead of simple straight confession he replies to the inspector with the following comment, oh well put it like that, theres something in what you say, still I cant accept any responsibility.If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody wed had anything to do with, it would be very cumbersome. At this moment in time Mr. Birling demonstrates once again his strong and clear attitudes, however the inspector makes his first challenge, questioning his use of vocabulary, he asks more questions, forcing more related detail. The inspector starts to be shown as a strong character who is unwilling to opt blunt and meaningless responses, however the inspector needs to be shown as strong, otherwise Mr. Birling would express no relevant detailed information, and instead except the bare minimum. hieratical made this liking world-shattering by display that so called original high class citizens are not entitled to withhold and ignore information which links and directs to a plea of guilt. The Inspector asks very probing and searching questions, which have great significance, his role becomes much more exposed, the inspector as a character becomes someone who is confident, wise and possibly someone who is an advisor like person who is warning of a future event.He is seen as someone who can adapt to an soulfulness to extract the highest quality of information. He acts as a catalyst, wanting to change something in the case of the Birling family, this is to turn their attitudes away from un compassionate to somewhat sympathetic. The inspector says, But after all it is better to ask for the earth than to take it. This quote is world-shattering because it shows a man of wisdom, an d knowledge, that it also shows Priestleys perspective of life, showing that it is better to ask for something sooner than just taking it.In relation to the general world it shows how people will just take something or do something without thinking of the consequences, this is but the point that the inspector is making when he makes this comment to Mr. Birling. Mr. Birling continues to show his arrogance as he begins once again to relate to his superiority and importance he says, How do you get on with our chief constable, Colonel Roberts? The way that he gives names is supposed to impress the inspector, and release himself from any further suspicions, even though at this stage he does realise that he has played a part in the death of Eva Smith.However it makes the inspector more eager to move on and away from the situation, leaving Mr. Birling beginning to realise his wrong doings which had consequences eventually leading to a death. Sheila enters and her interview begins. Whe n she enters she appears fullly oblivious to the presence of the inspector, although all is about to be changed as her consecutive doings and actions are about to be exposed changing her high class status into a guilty, responsible and conscious citizen.Although Sheila is totally oblivious to the scenario and situation, she is eager to find out exactly what is going on, the complete opposite to her father, showing a difference in character. Sheila appears much more insidious and sympathetic, personally asking questions to entice more information. It becomes clear that the inspector will play up to Sheilas nature and play a different game, using different techniques.It appears at the outset that Sheila has driven herself into the situation and dragged herself in purely because of the many questions which she is posing. It appears that priestly precious to make the play more interesting to the audience by introducing from the outset a mix of characters, creating conflict, oppositi on and contrast, however it is soon to be made clear that only from the outset the family are different, and in fact very similar within their unintentional actions. Gerald and Mr.Birling soon realise potentially what Sheila could be doing to the family, too much information can be never to good Gerald intervenes with the following comment to the inspector, he says, And I dont see that this inquiry gets you anywhere, inspector. This shows Geralds desperation to release Sheila from the scenario, and save the families from a public scandal. Gerald and Mr. Birling at this stage seem to have at least one thing in common, and this is the matter of business.Sheila starts to turn against her father, precisely what the inspector is correcting to do, she says, I think it was a mean thing to do, this conflict starts to draw tension, totally obliterating the happy followings from the earlier evenings, Priestleys root of creating conflict is the keister for the revealing of the truth, in rel ation to the general world it often takes a simple disagreement or argument for people to confront there guilt.Shelia has won the gold award for drawing attention to herself, asking many questions has eventually led her to be faced with the truth, the inspector appears to know more than he is allow on, and instead of showing it he allows the family to expose there corrupt ways themselves. Priestly made this idea of self exploitation significant because it shows how un pity, uncompassionate people in general will expose themselves is decently probed, in the case of the Birling family they are turned against each other, which makes them face to an extreme guilt and true reality.The inspector keeps the photograph to himself and only one family member at a time, refusing access to no one other than the interviewee. Could the photograph be someone different each time he shows it to soul, the way that priestly keeps the audience guessing and allowing for them to draw there own conclus ions on the situation is very cleverly done. some coincidental but the inspector keeps the photograph very secret, just like the Birling family with there secrets, unploughed hidden from anyone other than themselves.The inspector has taken a very different approach to the interview with Sheila, this approach to Sheila is to extract information, however with the rest of the family members it is seen to be inappropriate and somewhat intrusive. With the continuation of the Inspectors questions and Sheilas subtle approach, she realises that she has some responsibility for the happenings of Eva Smith. She realises that the inspector had his suspicions and admits her responsibility, a total contrast to her fathers approach.As is shown in the following comment, she says, Ive told my father, he didnt seem to think it amounted to much but I feel rotten. It just shows there contrasting attitudes to life. Priestly made this idea of contrast significant because it shows how people on the outs ide can be very different, but inside can be very similar. As Sheila continues to expose her conduct, the audience starts to understand her character from a different angle, her innocent early impressions change as she tells of a story of jealousy. It becomes clear that Sheila was jealous of the girl, her looks and her position within the world.She says, She was a very pretty girl, this shows her jealousy of other glamorous threats within her society, she went onto to vituperate her power, by using a threat to the manager, she says, If you dont get rid of that girl, Ill never go near the place again. This is significant because it shows how peoples actions can be solely driven by jealousy and power, without thinking of the consequences, this is exactly the case of Sheila, the audiences intuitions of Sheila have suddenly changed, and as an audience we begin to understand that people shouldnt judge on first appearances as there is usually more to be told.The inspector says, Well, we ll try to understand why it had to happen? And thats why Im here, and why Im not going until I know all that happened, this quote is significant because it shows the inspectors determination to change the family, to extract and make them face reality and guilt, making them confess to all of there wrong doings, making them realise that actions have consequences. Sheilas interview takes less time than Mr. Birlings, possibly because of co-operative manner, showing a willingness to become involved and share all that she knows, accepting reasonability.Now that Sheila accepts what she has done, she casts her suspicions to Gerald, who is next for the hot seat. Gerald is confronted on his own honesty, Sheila realises that the inspector knows about each person, this is imprinted on her mind and she confronts Gerald about his own doings with Eva Smith, he admits a relationship only to Sheila expressing no real details, however not with an Eva Smith but instead with a Daisy Renton, the change in name suggests confusion and deliberate separation to attract no links betwixt the very secretive family members.As Geralds interview begins he again starts the routine where he tries to excuse his rather fragile Sheila. He protests that she must leave, escaping the following pitiful details which are to be revealed by Gerald. This is significant because it continues to show the families rather secretive motives, relating and sharing to nothing with the possibilities of exploitation leading to a public scandal. Gerald says, I think Miss Birling ought to be excused any more of this questioning. Shes nothing more to tell you.From this comment he shows to the audience that he is hiding something, which appears to be his affair with the dead girl. The inspector makes a very interesting comment when he says to Gerald, And you think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things, which is closely followed by, we know one woman who wasnt, this comment is an attempt to hit Gerald with guilt in the face, it is yet another revelation from the part of the inspector. The inspector wants Sheila to stay with Gerald throughout his interview, he says, She feels responsible.And if she leaves us now, and doesnt hear any more then shell feel shes entirely to blame, this quote is significant because it relates to an idea of sharing guilt and not just accepting as a sole being, however in relation to the general world, people are prepared to burden guilt onto a sole being to save themselves from any shame of guilt. As the interview of Gerald continued there were numerous interruptions, possibly planned, possibly coincidental, Mrs Birling made her first appearance who also tries to expel Sheila from the damaging scenario.Sheila continues to defend her case and manages to stay for the remaining of Geralds story. There is an gene of surprise when the inspector directly asks Gerald when he started seeing Daisy Renton, Gerald plays down the claim by say ing, where did you get the idea that I know her? However the inspector continues to say, I knew already , this tactic used by the inspector is interesting as it shows the ignorance and arrogance of Gerald and Mr. Birling, who are unwilling to take and accept responsibility.The inspector is getting Gerald to reveal and expose his secret life, which prior to this interview no other person was aware of. Gerald reveals that he mat sorry for the girl and he was acting to save her from an atrocious womaniser, surely this shows a caring side to Gerald, yes, this other side to people is significant because it shows that people are made up of a commixture of personalities and characteristics, what would the world be like if we only had one mode?Gerald says, We went along to the country hotel, which I knew would be quiet at that time of night this suggests that he has been there before and possibly has a vesture of taking in women for short petty affairs, this in relation to the real worl d shows how people have secret lives behind the clogs of there supposed family.Gerald is exposed almost to be as bad a Muggerty, although he had saved someone from an extreme sexual relationship from an intense womaniser, he himself took advantage of the situation, routine a simple refuge campaign into a secret affair, although he did implement thoughtful and caring measures to make sure that she was well looked after, and free of trouble, you could say he was only helping a weak, penetrable and deprived person.He said, It was inevitable. She was pretty and warm hearted, Priestly made this idea significant because it shows in relation to the world how people will take advantage of a weak and vulnerable person to benefit themselves in some way, In the era of priestly it was common for high profile men to take advantage of weak lonely women for the sole purpose of making there reiterating lives into something more exciting with a bit more entertainment.Gerald eventually puts into co ntext what he has done and realises that elements were unscrupulous and inappropriate, Gerald explains that the relationship ended a few months after it begun, it was clear to the audience that the affair wouldnt of continued for a long period of time, because back then within the days of Priestly it was totally expelled that only people of the same class could have a relationship, and not a mixture in the case of Gerald and Daisy.In furtherance Gerald offered Daisy money to keep her sustainable and out of trouble, however she refused as she wanted the relationship to be meaningful and representative, she also wanted to take away the idea that Gerald was paying her for her services, this idea is significant because it shows that a proud person does not have to be of a social high class, and instead should be respected whatever there actions or beliefs.Gerald appears to have moved by the story in which he has told, he asks politely to be excused, the inspector allows for this to happ en, the upset of Gerald is significant because it shows even a high class man of business with unsympathetic feelings for others in the world can and does feel emotion for tragedys that hap within the world, I believe that it was the idea of priestly that characteristics must be shown and even uped from every angle, in accordance with the main theme of the play which is the expressing of emotions, feeling guilt for the of consequences caused by an unintentional action.Gerald leaves and Mrs Birling now becomes accustom to settling routine of interview. Mrs Birling is very importuneive showing that there should be no such suspicion hanging over her. She answers very sharply being very inconsiderate, when the inspector poses a question she immediately without thought gives such an answer which releases no such relevant information. The inspector says, Youre not telling me the truth , which is followed abruptly with the following comment from Mrs Birling, she says, I beg your pardon already just seconds into the interview Mrs Birling and the inspector are having major clashes of personalities, Mrs Birlings attitudes are shown very strongly and she repeatedly makes the point that she has no point to play in this charade. As tension continues to grow, and as the inspector continues to fire questions which antagonise Mrs Birling, Sheila makes a point which brings the family back down to mother earth, she says, Weve no excuse now for putting on airs and that if weve any sense we wont try.This allows Mrs Birling to realise that there is no escape as the inspector has already uncovered information from three characters, closingly the inspector can resume his questioning to a more subtle level. Priestly made this point significant because it shows how people will act without full information to save themselves from suspicion or scrutinising. Still a little hesitant but more cooperative, Mrs Birling responds to the inspectors questions, it is revealed that she is a p ropose working for womens charity, she says, Weve done a great deal of useful work in helping deserving cases.From this the audience starts to understand that she must be very caring, but indeed we are very wrong, our perception of a volunteer would be a caring person, but in the case of Mrs Birling it is non existent, it appears that she only carries out the volunteer work to gain status within her community, showing that she is prepared to be caring and work for free, to serve and aid the needy. Priestly gave the audience this idea because it is very true throughout the world, Mrs Birling represents the snobs of the world who participate in such events which gain them credentials within the communitys perceptions.The inspector reveals that Mrs Birling was in fact one of the last people to see the girl before she died, she had appealed for help to the womens organization, however due to Mrs Birlings bitterness and prejudice she influenced the decision that no help would be given, Mrs Birling says, I didnt like her manner, jealousy and prejudice are shown. Priestly made this significant as he showed that a snobbish like person will feel no such remorse for somebody elses misery or wrong doing.In my own personal opinion Mrs Birling is the worst character out of them all, she had the probability to help this harmless, vulnerable, friendless, penniless, desperate victim but instead because she was dissatisfied with her initial case she dismissed her and made sure that the other members gave a unanimous vote to refuse help, it should be Mrs Birling who feels the most sympathy, but instead she probably feels the least amount of compassion from the overall spectrum of the Birling family.Tensions continue to rise as Mrs Birlings attitudes towards the inspector change, as she begins again to give responses which suit herself and not that of the inspector. More details are revealed which will eventually link back into the remaining character, Eric. The inspector Want s Mrs Birling to release more information to make her face the consequences of her actions, repeating and exploring the avenues more of the incidents will hopefully help Mrs Birling realise what she has done.The family begin to realise that Eric plays a role in the death of the girl, and his scrutinising will begin shortly, just as Mrs Birlings interview comes to a firm conclusion. The family sit and wait in anticipation for the return of Eric. Priestly made this idea of time significant, because it changes the way that we as the audience interpret the play, somebody who read the play twenty years ago will have different interpretations of the meanings than somebody who reads the play today.Eric enters and is sharply questioned, he enters with a realisation that the inspector knows about his traits, and actions, His realisation that his family are also aware of what he has done creates a rather dim atmosphere, arguments arise and there is an overall feeling that Eric has committed such an act that jeopardises the familys status. With the family firing questions wanting to know why and what possessed him to do such a thing, the inspector becomes progressively angry and frustrated.Eric says, Could I have a drink first? , this is answered with a No from Mr. Birling and a Yes from the inspector, this conflict of interests between the two is increasingly apparent with a case of rivalry implemented. Is alcohol the answer to all problems? Priestly wanted to show how different people deal with their own problems in there own ways, this varies videly throughout the world.Suspicion and guilt hits Eric straight in the face, He tells of the secret meetings with the girl, and he explained how he made love to her on more than one occasion, it is suggested that himself and Gerald both took advantage of the girl, for her good looks, and her vulnerable position within life. Eric says, She told me she was going to have a baby, Eric then replies with, I was in a hell state abo ut it, this shows that only consequences hit certain people in the face when they are confronted with reality, a baby for Eric created by accident with somebody he didnt love would have catastrophic and disastrous.Priestly wanted to show exactly how some high class families were humiliated back then within his era, when such events occurred it was common that the families would banish the perpetrator, and escape any disgrace from the local community, for the Birling family it would have been cataclysmic if any such news escaped of there corrupt wrong doings, this would have been followed by a public scandal. Erics integrity is severely questioned by his fathers somewhat raging temper and annoyance.It is revealed that that he stole money from his own family business, as the truth is revealed, it becomes clear that Mr. Birling is more concerned about the money, than the pregnancy of the girl. He says, Hes admitted he was responsible for the girls condition, Mr. Birling burdens total b lame onto the Eric, as his secret life unfolds, for the position that the girl was left in. Priestly made this idea significant because it shows how people will prioritise things to there own aptitudes and attitudes of life, in the case of a business man (Mr. B) he is putting money and theft before family and pregnancy. This is shown by Mr. Birling when he says, Ive got to cover this up as soon as I can. A childhood revolt begins to occur as Sheila continues to blame her mother and father for all of the endeavours committed by the younger generation. Eric blames his mother for the final death of the girl, saying, You killed her she came to you to protect me and you turned her away.This idea of a childhood revolt is significant because it shows how inattention on the childs part occurs within a family, in the time of priestly it was unheard of a child questioning there parents, in the case of the play it was the inspectors job to remove such disrespect.The inspector continues to a ssert his authority, interrupting and taking charge, He gives a summary of events, hitting each perpetrator directly in the face with guilt and realisation of there true given consequences, he burdens the main blame onto Mr. Birling, who is left with a moment of thinking to reiterate what has just been said, this idea of repeating what has been done is allowing for the family members to understand the extent of there actions, coming to terms with the consequences, realising what they did then was unacceptable and a feeling of guilt should be felt. The interviewing of the family draws to a conclusion, he leaves the family divided, with opinions against each other, they are allowed to reserve judgement and come to terms within there own cerebral hemisphere just exactly what they have done. The inspector leaves giving a rather meaningful speech